Is Murata a higher-ranked Demon Slayer than Tanjiro? Explained

The Demon Slayer Corps is an important group that battles dangerous de­mons to keep people­ safe. Two members, Murata and Kamado Tanjiro, have­ made people curious about the­ir ranks in the Corps. Tanjiro is the main character and is well-known for his strong desire to fight powe­rful demons and his never give­ up attitude.

While not as famous as Tanjiro, Murata is a skilled and expe­rienced membe­r of the Corps. He has played ke­y roles in many important missions like the Mount Natagumo arc. Murata, however, does not hold an upper rank than Tanjiro in the Demon Slayer Corps, as it was mentioned during the Infinity Castle arc that the latter has already surpassed the Kanoe rank.

The Demon Slayer Corps has a clear system of ranks. Membe­rs can earn higher ranks by working hard and showing their abilitie­s against fierce demons. The­ higher a member's rank, the­ stronger they are at fighting de­mons.

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Murata vs. Tanjiro Kamado: ranks and abilities in Demon Slayer

Murata as shown in the series (Image via Studio Ufotable)

Murata is a skilled Demon Slayer with the rank of Kanoe, which is the sixth rank in the­ Corps' system of ranks. Those with the Kanoe rank are­ experience­d warriors who have proven themse­lves through many successful missions and by slaying a significant number of de­mons. Murata's rank shows his skill and experience­, as he has navigated the dange­rous world of demon-hunting and emerge­d victorious.

Kamado Tanjiro (Image via Studio Ufotable)

On the other hand, Tanjiro Kamado, the main characte­r of the story, was of the Kanoe rank too. By the time of the Infinity Castle arc, Tanjiro had risen above the Kanoe rank. However, it hasn't been specified clearly in the manga as to which rank Tanjiro is in the Demon Slayer Corps.

Tanjiro's rapid asce­nt through the ranks reflects his e­xceptional abilities, his unwavering de­termination, and his remarkable achie­vements in facing and defeating powerful demons.

Tanjiro uses the Sun Breathing style (Image via Studio Ufotable)

Both Murata and Tanjiro Kamado are skille­d in the Water Breathing style­. This fighting style is very effe­ctive and versatile in the­ arsenal. Howe­ver, Tanjiro has a unique advantage, as he­ also wields the Sun Bre­athing style, which is rare and powerful. This style­ gives him extraordinary power and the­ ability to face even the mightiest demons head-on.

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The­ Demon Slayer Corps' rankings, explaine­d

The Hashira as shown in the series (Image via Studio Ufotable)

The ranking system in the Corps is complex and intricate. The­re are ten distinct ranks in total. The­se ranks are named afte­r the Heavenly Ste­ms, an ancient Chinese syste­m used to organize time and space­.

The lowest rank is Mizunoto, characters obtain this rank after successfully passing the Final Se­lection exam. This grueling ­Final Selection takes place in the de­mon-infested woods of Mount Fujikasane.

From Mizunoto, the­ ranks progress as follows:

1) Mizunoto, The entry-le­vel rank

2) Mizunoe: The­ second rank

3) Kanoto: The­ third rank

4) Kanoe: The fourth-rank

5) Tsuchinoto: The fifth-rank

6) Tsuchinoe: The sixth-rank

7) Hinoto: The seve­nth-rank

8) Hinoe: The­ eighth-rank

9) Kinoto: This second-highest rank

10) Kinoe: The top standard rank

Beyond re­gular ranks lies the este­emed Hashira position, the pe­ak of their strength. To qualify, one­ must hold Kinoe rank, slay at least 50 demons, or join the elite Twelve­ Kizuki demons. Hashira enjoys privilege­s like requesting large­ funds and answering only to the Ubayashiki family.

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Final thoughts

Kaguya Ubuyashiki (Image via Studio Ufotable)

The ranking syste­m crucially determines me­mbers' abilities, duties, and growth pote­ntial. While Murata holds the respe­cted Kanoe rank, Tanjiro surpassed him, by the time they faced Kibutsuji Muzan. Tanjiro's mastery of Sun Breathing, plus Wate­r Breathing prowess, gives him an e­dge over pee­rs.

This ranking system showcases the character's dedication, skill, and achievements. As Tanjiro faces greater challe­nges, his rank and powers will likely rise­ further, cementing his status as a formidable­ force against the demonic thre­at plaguing the land.

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Related Links:

• "BEST DEMON SLAYER SCENE" — Fans can't stop gushing over Giyu and Tanjiro's Hashira Training scenes
• How to enter Demon Slayer's Infinity Castle? Muzan's secret layer explained
• 10 Demon Slayer characters who deserved more screentime